Bills Beat Blog

Fairley, Ponder Visit Bills

by Joe Buscaglia,posted Mar 31 2011 2:12PM

The big names keep rolling through Orchard Park this week as the Buffalo Bills try to decide who will join their team in April.

Top defensive prospect and Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley made the journey in just a day after Alabama DT Marcell Dareus visited with the Bills' staff. Fairley is thought to be a top ten pick after dominating this past season for the Tigers.

Fairley isn't the only one in town. Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder and Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston also took a tour of team facilities. Head coach Chan Gailey got an extended look at Ponder at the Senior Bowl, coaching the former Seminole for the entire week. Ponder went on the be the MVP of that game. Gailey also attempted to recruit him to Georgia Tech when he coached the Yellow Jackets.

While the Bills were busy at work back home, general manager Buddy Nix was on the road. Nix attending North Carolina's pro day Thursday afternoon. During the 'State of the Bills' event, Nix said he was going to see Robert Quinn and the two inside linebackers. Those linebackers are Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant.

With where the Bills are drafting, I think that Quinn is out of the equation with the third overall pick. I believe the trip down to North Carolina is moreso to see Carter and Sturdivant, because one or both could be there when the Bills draft in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.